Summer brings thoughts of childhood joys: swimming, running around bare foot and riding bikes.

Spring break of 6th grade I babysat for two kids in our apartment complex. They couldn’t have been too much younger than I was but I remember that eventually they were chasing me around the apartment with a wiffle bat. Sirens were heard outside and I told these two kids that it was the police coming for them. This was something that my babysitter liked to always say to me and I blew it off. Well apparently these kids didn’t know that I was kidding. The huddled under the coffee table and started crying until I could convince them I was kidding.

Through that week of babysitting I saved up enough money to buy my own bike, which we had for years and years. I mostly just rode around the neighborhood and maybe to the grocery store. Around this same time dad bought a bike to ride to the park and ride where he could catch the bus to work. He got up early with all his fancy lights and flashers and headed off to work.When I was 14-15 I rode once from my aunt’s condo in Bothell to Log Boom Park on Lake Washington. It was about 4 miles each way and I remember having a seriously sore bum the next day.

For years these bikes have sat outside against the side of the house. During one of my health stints I strapped a bike rack onto the back of my car and headed down to this same park and ride to try out the the interurban trail. With my DI helmet on my head I didn’t make it very far before I was exhausted and the bike ended up back leaning against the house.

Since I’ve been working out fairly consistently for several months I thought I would try again. I have lots of examples around me of people who love to ride their bikes. I loaded my dad’s old bike into his van and headed down to the Lake Forest Park Town Center. I rode out to Bothell Landing and back. It was about 8 miles and took me about and hour. At one point I was going so slow that a rollerblader passed me but I did it. In the last two months I’ve done nearly a dozen trips from Bothell Landing out to Woodinville and back and one of the most exciting things is feeling myself get stronger, getting up that hill without getting off the bike and riding faster with less effort. I haven’t been able to go in a while but I’m so delighted that something that was previously too difficult is now something that I can enjoy. Contrary to Lisa’s assumption I’m NOT ready for the STP, heck I’m not even really ready to ride with someone else but I sure do like to ride.

As if moving around the world weren't intimidating enough I have to find some where to live long distance. At first I thought I would be able to find some LDS room mates but when I hadn't heard anything I started looking around at studio's online. I saw this one below and thought it sounded perfect for me. I took a chance and emailed only to discover that the house is owned by a flute/piano teacher and adjudicator who has worked some at the College of Music. It's a bit small but everything is included. It's 4 miles outside of town but right on the bus line. There isn't a contract so it will be great to have a place to stay right when I arrive and then if I find some thing else when I get there I can move in a month or two.

• Upmarket Area just off Street Lane.
• Completely private Studio Apartment with own Shower, WC and Kitchenette
• Comfortably & tastefully furnished
• Big Velux Window giving lots of Light & with Blackout Blind for night time
• Electricity, Water, Council Tax, Central Heating, Laundry – ALL included
• Multi-channel Digital Freeview TV, Broadband Wireless Internet also included
• Excellent for Transport, Shops and Leisure

Stress free living in a civilised, leafy neighbourhood of North Leeds, a quiet cul de sac, yet just a few paces away from the bus stop going straight into town. Only 75 yards to Chinese and Indian takeaways and up-market fish and chip shop. Other highly popular restaurants (such as The Flying Pizza), Starbucks, post office and bank facilities and many other shops just a few minutes’ walk away in both directions. Even the post box is just across the road. Co-op and Marks and Spencer's supermarkets are within walking distance, too. A David Lloyd Fitness and Tennis Centre, as well as the World famous Roundhay Park, with tree lined walks, wide open spaces and two lakes, are only a mile away.

This large, detached house with a lawned garden on three sides is owned by a couple who are sympathetic and lodger friendly, having had professionals and students stay over many years. The rent also includes electricity, water, council tax, central heating, a weekly laundry and room clean, Colour TV with Digital Multi-channel viewing and broadband wireless internet. There are no hidden extras, no unwelcome surprises.

The accommodation consists of a large, completely private, room at the top of the house and extending most of its length. It has a ceiling height of nearly 2.5 metres and measures 503 x 331 cm [16.5 x 10.8 feet] giving a generous living area of 17.5 sq m. You additionally have a separate and exclusive WC. The shower cabin is fitted with a top of the range Mira Thermostatic mixer. The kitchen facilities include a Russell Hobbs mini-oven with 2 hotplates, an LG microwave oven, a Philips mini-kettle, a built in fridge/freezer and sink with mixer tap and stainless steel drainer. There are plenty of electricity sockets. Also provided are a good sized bed with a quality mattress, dining table, a wardrobe, a bookcase and a comfortable armchair. Utensils may be provided on request.

This studio apartment will suit the no smoking, quieter person as it's in a good area and professional environment where people do show respect for others.

Lynnwood has a schedule of big trip, musical, little trip, musical in a four year cycle. Since this was the year for a big trip Amy didn’t let it stop her that she also happened to be having a baby this year. We left right at the end of the school year as soon as she could travel with baby Henry who’s now 8 weeks old. Her Mom, Sister and friend came along to help out with Henry and Clementine her 3 year old, who were so well behaved all week. It's a little weird because the Lynnwood kids aren't really my kids and I didn't really have specific jobs on the trip, just basically I was another teacher who knew music.

This was my second trip to Hawaii. I went with the Shorecrest Choir three years ago when I was student teaching. We did nearly all the same things that we did then although I did more swimming and less shopping. I figured after three years if I didn’t miss it I would need it now, especially since I’m packing everything up. The time change is always hard but I need to remember next time to not pass go, or collect $200- just get straight in the water.

Since Amy had been on maternity leave for the last two months she hadn’t been rehearsing the kids. The trip for her was more about recruiting/retention than performing. We did a clinic at the University of Hawaii and a performance at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We had to rent chairs, stands, basses and a bass drum.

We spent a few days at the beach got absolutely buried in sand and sun burned, spent too much time in a tour bus driving around the island.

Last time we stopped at Diamond Head we didn’t have enough time to climb up and I didn’t have the right shoes. This time I was prepared and determined to make it. It was a bit of a climb at the hottest part of the day but it felt really great to do it.

This trip happened at a very interesting/busy time which caused me to miss the last few days of school. It was however a good break from the routine of the school year and switch in the summer school. Especially since I haven’t had a break, just from one busy thing to the next, all the while trying to plan for the big trip. There’s been lots of moving going on. We spent 4 hours last Saturday packing at Lynnwood, then I need to pack and clean at EW not to mention prepping to move back in with my parents which also means consolidating Suzie’s stuff and making a space for me.

Is it horrible to say that Hawaii is great but probably not my favorite place in the world? Maybe it’s just not as relaxing as it ought to be when dealing with high school kids, a major tourist area, a packed schedule and jet lag.

This trip has been a good awakening reminder for me about how my body reacts to travel: long flights, being confined in buses and planes, not enough sleep, hard beds, time change, too much fast food, lots of city walking etc.

There’s no place like home. That being said at the airport I was excited about the thought of returning there soon to set off on my new adventure. [Which I am, by the way, totally freaked out about.]

Through out my life I’ve accepted that there are things that I am and things that I’m not. Things that I do and things that I don’t. Things that happen to me and things that don’t. We at least I thought I knew. But recently all sorts of delightful things have been happening.

Wendy, the middle school choir teacher and I hang out on nearly a daily basis and so when she asked if I would be a judge for the CPM Idol Competition on one of my nights off this week I said, sure. She asked if I would pick her up at her apartment since she had been having car trouble, this wasn't the first time so I didn't think anything of it. Just before I was about to leave she texted me with an alternate address saying it was a long story. The house was just between her place and my parents so I headed over. As I approached the door I noticed that it was rather noisy inside and I wondered what friends Wendy had in the area. After I knocked on the door I looked through the window and saw two of my students....wait a minute. They came stampeding to the door and gaggled in the entry way. I don’t think I’m going to CPM Idol tonight. I was in a bit of shock and was still wondering where Wendy was.

My kids had thrown me a surprise party, complete with lots of food, cake, a banner made of Reeses pieces, presents, balloons etc. They were so delighted with themselves that they had managed to keep it a secret. They had to start a facebook message thread to manage the details so I wouldn’t see them writing to each other on their walls. There were so many messages that they nearly got shut down. I spent the next 15 minutes repeating over and over to them that yes I really was surprised and had no idea what was happening. I was genuinely in shock and I don’t think they believed me.

We settled down to start eating but they couldn’t contain themselves and brought out my present- a photo book or pictures from the year. Now any of you who know my know I LOVE pictures and that gift is so me. In fact it was what I was planning on making for the seniors. Our resident freshman and photographer took great pictures at jazz night last week and I had been bugging her to send me copies and she had put me off making up some story about her mom taking away her camera because she wanted to keep the pictures a surprise. [Her backpack and camera were stolen a few days later which is why this post is pic-less.]

Eating and chatting eventually turned into a water/icing fight from which no one was immune. About 45 minutes later everyone was hosed off, there was still frosting in the grass and most everyone had changed into clothes from Megan’s closet. I was still just wet. Some of them went through musical numbers for graduation and kids started to drift off. I ended up staying and talking with the last few girls for a while.

There’s nothing like a surprise bash in your honor to make you feel loved. Have I mentioned that I love my students? Sure they can give into their more lazy adolescent tendencies on a daily basis and drive me crazy but I love them dearly and work my butt off for them, and drag said butt out of bed every morning at 5 a.m. I sure am going to miss them. I’ll miss being ‘Mama Reese.’

About a month ago I dropped by my parents house and they said that he Stake President had called for me.  What does the stake President call for?  Even if it’s a calling it’s usually a high councilor who calls you.  Turns out he wanted to invite me to speak at a Muslim Interfaith Symposium-wow.   There’s a Muslim women’s group in our community that hosts and interfaith symposium every year and this year they decided to invite us.  The lady who contacted us and coordinated it grew up Christian in eastern Washington and converted to Islam in 1970.  Her very best friend growing up was a member of the Church, and this woman herself had investigated the church some. 

            The symposium was on Signs of the Latter Days and the format was that two of us and two of them would speak on signs of the times according to our scriptures and two of us and two of them would speak on the Second Coming of Christ., each for only five minutes.  The four of us met together and talked about who do each topic and what we should talk about.  We were all excited and curious and a little daunted. Sister Groenig sent us some links to give us some background on what they believe.  As far as writing up what I was going to talk to I tried to stay as simple as possible using primarily scriptures, Preach My Gospel and the Gospel Principles manual.  Now I know that for years people have been raving about the Preach My Gospel manual but I’m telling you it’s awesome!  Let’s see, how do I summarize the apostasy in two sentences or less? The lesson in PMG are so much better than the old discussions.

            In addition to the four speakers two sisters from each ward were invited to come along as well. We met at the Stake Center for prayer, dressed in our missionary standard best. The Ahmadiyya Center is right on Hwy 99 across from Costco.  I had noticed as I drove past and always wondered about it.  We carpooled over and cautiously let ourselves in the back door.  We took off our shoes and left them on shelves.  The building was divided into an entry room, children’s room, kitchen and two main open rooms- one was set up for dinner later and the other was set up for our symposium.  We all went around and introduced ourselves and tried to remember names.  After we were all seated we went around and everyone said something about their name, what it meant, why it was chosen etc.  There were three rows of chairs in the audience facing tow long tables where the speakers were seated.  There was a moderator who conducted the meeting.

            They started with a reading from the Qur’an. A young woman came up and sang/spoke a chapter [before which all the women covered their heads with scarves] and then read us the translation. One of their women gave a five minute introduction to their organization and the Sister Nielson gave an introduction to Relief Society. I spoke first and focused on three positive signs of the second coming that are somewhat unique to us: the restoration of the Gospel, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon, and preaching the Gospel to all the world. The woman who followed me used to be a high school principal in Pakistan and has a masters in Political Science.  She spoke on their interpretations of  some of the prophecies of the signs of the times form the Qur’an.  As an example she read a scripture about waters flowing together and sited the building of the Suez Canal as a fulfillment of that prophecy.  I found this interesting because we aren’t always so literal, attaching specific events to prophecies- with some exceptions.

            Next came Sister Groenig who spoke about some natural disasters, disease and general wickedness but that we are to live in faith not fear and to prepare ourselves.  The woman who followed her was visible very nervous about ‘her speech.’ I think it actually helped everyone to relax a little because we’ve all been there. On the flip side in our Church they’ve got us up and speaking by age 3. 

Then we had our first question and answer period about which many of us were so nervous.  I myself LOVE answering questions because it means that people really want to know something and I’m not imposing on them. There were some first cautious questions from our sisters about various beliefs of our guests and we were all so interested to hear what they had to say. The second half started with Sister Banks talking about the signs of the divinity of Jesus Christ.  Sister Sainsbury ended with talking about the millennium.

We were at first a little surprised that they were having a symposium about the second coming of Christ.  There is a bit of confusion still surrounding this point.  They don’t believe that Jesus was the Savior and they don’t necessarily believe that it’s actually him who’s going to be returning. They believe in prophecies regarding a Messiah and believe that a man in India in the 1890’s was the promised Messiah.  Their Halifa or leader now is the 5^th success from that first Messiah.

Following this second round of ‘speeches’ everyone had loosened up a little bit and started to get to know one another better and so the second round of q and a was more fun.  We discovered that we have lots of things in common:

·        Emphasis on daily family scripture reading.  They believe that their children should read the Qur’an in Arabic (ie King James English) and in their native language by the time their 13. They also memorize a lot of it. They are encouraged to read every morning at dawn.

·        Spiritual Appointment of a new leader.  We talked about the prophet and apostles and how a new prophet is chosen and they have a very similar process.

·        General Conference: Their Halifa speaks to them every Friday online.

·        Morality/dating standards

·        Fasting

·        Other Muslim sects (Suni/Shia) don’t consider them Muslim.  Sound familiar?

 

Following the formal part of the meeting we adjourned to the next room for dinner: rice, spinach, chic peas, yogurt, and naan.  An no nuts! [Except for dessert and so I abstained.] We sat with one of the woman who had spoken and she told us about her arranged marriage.  He mother was German and her father Pakistani and her husband is from Kenya and they lived for 10 years in London.  She has a degree in psychology and specialized in early child hood development and has two kids.

Overall it was a wonderful experience.  All the women that we met there were warm, welcoming, friendly, educated and beautiful. There was a such a wonderful spirit there as we were able to talk to one another and talk about ourselves, ask questions and realize how much we have in common.